ActivTradesvs
E*TRADEStock Broker Comparison
This comparison pits ActivTrades and E*TRADE in a head-to-head on regulation, platform power, and access to markets. The axis centers on cost models, research depth, and global reach.
Who should choose ActivTrades vs E*TRADE?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
You opt for ActivTrades if you want no minimum deposit. You also gain access to 10 exchanges through ActivTrades. You should consider E*TRADE if you want extended trading hours and access to a powerful platform with professional options analytics. You also benefit from commission-free stocks and ETFs, futures trading, and a 40-year operating history backed by Morgan Stanley.
Choose if…
You opt for ActivTrades if you want no minimum deposit. You also gain access to 10 exchanges through ActivTrades. You should consider E*TRADE if you want extended trading hours and access to a powerful platform with professional options analytics. You also benefit from commission-free stocks and ETFs, futures trading, and a 40-year operating history backed by Morgan Stanley.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
ActivTrades vs E*TRADE: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum | N/A |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips | N/A |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
| Deposit fee | Free |
ActivTrades vs E*TRADE Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Supplemental private insurance up to GBP 1,000,000 per client, above FSCS standard limit
- FCA regulated with ActivTrader volatility protection for equity CFD risk management
- 600+ share CFDs across ActivTrader and MT4 with no minimum deposit
- No commission on standard accounts; no inactivity fee
Cons
- Stock range (600+) narrower than CMC, IG, or Saxo
ActivTrades vs E*TRADE: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
ActivTrades
criteria wins
4
E*TRADE
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | ActivTrades | E*TRADE |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Fail |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Pass |
| No deposit fee | — | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Pass |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Pass |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
ActivTrades vs E*TRADE: Frequently Asked Questions
ETRADE rates 4.3/5 versus 3.7/5 for ActivTrades. ETRADE edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
ActivTrades starts from 0.5. Current spread data is not available for E*TRADE. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
ActivTrades requires no minimum deposit required. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for E*TRADE.
Both ActivTrades and E*TRADE hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, ActivTrades provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
ActivTrades lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while E*TRADE lists up to 1:4. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
ActivTrades supports MetaTrader 4, ActivTrader, while ETRADE supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. ActivTrades has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4 and ActivTrader. ETRADE has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
E*TRADE offers commission-free stock trading while ActivTrades does not according to our data. Commission-free trading can reduce costs for frequent traders. Always confirm the current fee structure directly on each broker's website.
ActivTrades scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
